Reviewers Top Picks: July 2008

Synopsis:The house seemed to beckon her. Welcome her. As if it knew her. The light had faded, and dark, bilious clouds had taken its place. In the three short weeks I'd spent in Cornwall, I'd learned two things: that the weather was not to be trusted, and that the wind never ceased to blow. Fair weather or foul, it whistled and murmured and moaned, like a living, breathing, tortured being. It had risen since it played innocently among the foxglove blooms earlier stirring the mists along the graveyard gate. Now it was angry, driving the black clouds inland from the sea. Waterfowl raced before it dotting the sky like a blizzard over the mighty house, and I'd scarcely pulled the car to a stop when the rain came. It was just as I remembered it from my drive-by earlier, like a creature of myth silhouetted against the storm-a huge, rambling, turreted structure of stone and timbers defying its existence in such a setting. Yet, aside from a wounded turret, a few missing boards, and a good deal of broken glass, Cragmoor approached the dawn of another century remarkably intact. I tried to imagine the house as it once must have been, ablaze with light and life, surrounded by manicured lawns and courtyards and lush, fragrant gardens. Now it rose from a tangled snarl of briar, thorn, and desolation. Row upon row of darkened windows, catching stray glints of the fading light, shuddered in the wind as the gale bore down upon it. The house was asleep, and I was about to wake it.

Deborah says: “From page one, I was hooked. Thompson clearly shows just what an amazing talent she was by instantly giving you a dark, suspenseful tale of horror. She described the book as "Anya Seton meets Stephen King" and that is a fair assessment of its style. I would also say she added a touch of Daphne du Maurier and Arthur Quiller-Couch. Rape of the Soul is one of those books that will linger on bookshelves, and be read again and again. Thompson delivers on all levels. When Jean Maitland enters the abandoned glass house of Craigmoor, you have a Hitchcock style, 'dark at the top of the stairs' foreboding that pure evil can exist and can reach from the past to destroy the future. Thompson delivers with this spellbinding tour de force, her legacy to her fans. It's a keeper. This is one I fully expect to see made into a movie.”

TWO FATESSybilla Corbuc has an uncommon understanding of the horses she cares for, but there are men who distrust such wisdom in a woman. Forced to become a nobleman's servant to avoid prison, Sybilla finds herself bound by chains that are stronger still—she cannot deny her passionate feelings for her new master, Sir Guy of Warwick. Neither is prepared to submit to the other, but his dark eyes and his unbridled desire are too potent a force to resist…

ONE JOURNEYBrought together by the birth of a mysterious colt, an animal of supernatural power that may foretell their destiny, they embark upon a perilous journey as the kingdom crumbles around them, a journey that will bring them ever closer to each other—and to the danger that lies ahead. And only love can save them…

Nancy says: “The author's knowledge of medieval England is true, her characters are wonderfully written and in keeping with the customs and language of the time. All in all, a great read for lovers of horses, romance and history. A winner!”

Synopsis: On the run from two men who want her, Gwyneth Stevens finds herself at the door of a third-Giovanni Baldassare, master vampire and former henchman of her father, the King of the Dark Realm. When Pallo and Caleb resurface, all hell breaks loose and old habits die hard. Out of time and places to hide, Gwen must face her destiny head on if she ever hopes to find happiness. Can the triangle of lovers make welcome a newcomer, or will the group succumb to old enemies resurfacing and centuries-old grudges, allowing history to repeat itself?

Dawn says: “I love this entire series, and alas, the ending of Bella Mia was perfect. The meat of the story was wonderful and the amount of surprise twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. It's hard to review this book without giving away spoilers, but I shall endeavor. The emotions on the pages are wrenching. You can feel your heart yearning for things in the book. This book was the perfect addition to the Daughter of Darkness series, and you learn a lot more about the characters. I will be reading it again.”

THE PROPHECY--an ancient Mayan prediction that the world will end on 12-21-12.

THE PREY--where can you hide from pure evil? Kelly Maloy opens her car door to much more than a great looking stranger at the Houston airport. Terror, desire, and a horrible truth climb in with him. She's only supposed to drive Ty Endeka around the city for a few weeks. Too bad no one tells her that once day fades she'll become part of a battle fought in the darkened streets with an enemy that isn't human. And the sensual man who feeds her fantasies hides a soul that gives new meaning to animal magnetism.

Amber says: “I loved this fresh new take on things and it has an unique creative plot that I couldn't help but be sucked into. Eternal Pleasure has got to be one of the most surprisingly good reads ever and I can't wait for more books in this 'Gods of the Night' series.”

Synopsis: There's always fun to be had on a ghoul's night out. By day, Larue Donavan is a down-to-earth bookstore owner. But by night, she's a world-renowned psychic investigator dedicated to helping lost spirits find peace. Dead people won't leave her alone and Abraham Lincoln thinks he's in charge of her lovelife.Larue can handle ghosts and undead presidents. It's the living that drive her crazy. When Callahan Weiss moves to town, the handsome newcomer opens a coffee shop right next door. She's smitten from the start, but she's not the only one -- The boutique owner across the street has her eye on Callahan too, and uses witchcraft to fight dirty. When Callahan gets hit by a love spell, Larue will need more than a little help from her ghoul-friends to save the day...

Ruth says: “Rose Pressey has put an incredible spin on ghost hunting! This book is GHOSTBUSTER'S and Ghost Whisperer in one without the proton packs and Ecto-1. Her characters are alive and full of quick witted charm and will make you laugh. The plot twists keep you turning the pages non-stop. This is a definite read for the lover of ghosts! I will be keeping my eye out for more by Rose Pressey.”

Synopsis: Seventh in the hilarious New York Times bestselling series featuring Vampire Queen Betsy Taylor—now with a hot new look. The series New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan calls “DELIGHTFUL, Wicked Fun” is looking hotter than ever…“No one does humorous romantic fantasy better than the incomparable MaryJanice Davidson”, and nobody reigns over the undead with more savvy than her heroine Betsy Taylor, back to rule the nights as Vampire Queen––and survive the days as a new suburban bride. But it’s not all marital bliss. Betsy’s husband, Sinclair, has been perusing The Book of the Dead, Betsy’s being hounded by a ghost who’s even more insufferable in death than in life, and a pack of formerly feral vampires has decided to pay an unwelcome visit…

Synopsis: They are the Nightwalkers, mysterious beings who dwell in the shadows of our world, and Damien, the Vampire Prince, is among the most powerful of them all. But one woman will tempt him with a desire unlike anything he has known, and together they will face a terrifying and relentless foe...

He'd Never Loved.But She Was Irresistible.

As reigning Vampire Prince, Damien has tasted every pleasure the world has to offer-consorting with kings and queens and delighting in sensual adventure. Now, tired of such pursuits, he devotes his energies to protecting his people. The war between human necromancers and Nightwalkers has escalated, and when the enemy makes a daring move, kidnapping Syreena, a Lycanthrope Princess, Damien boldly follows. He succeeds in rescuing her, but is unprepared for the erotic longing her lush sensuality awakens in him. Gifted with rare abilities, Syreena grew up in a cloistered setting and was forbidden to form attachments to others, yet the connection Damien feels with her is immediate, intoxicating, and impossible for either to resist. But claiming Syreena as his mate could have shattering repercussions for every Nightwalker-and leave their enemies more dangerous than ever before...

Synopsis: One taste of forbidden desire is never enough... The last in a fabled line of otherworldly aristocracy, the Lords of Satyr are born to wealth, power, and a talent for sensual delight that mere mortals only dream of. Commanded to marry, these passionate men will travel to Rome, Venice, and Paris—and along the way will explore desires both shamelessly wicked and blissfully divine…

He Is On The Prowl…

The youngest of the Satyr brothers, Lyon enjoys working in the family’s Tuscan vineyards, caring for his menagerie of animals and bedding beautiful women. But he knows he must fulfill his destiny of taking the last daughter of King Feydon as his bride. And so he travels to Paris to wed the infamous Juliet Rabelais…

For His Most Luscious Prize…

A celebrated courtesan noted for both her culinary—and carnal—talents, Juliet is a voluptuous beauty with a body meant to tease. And with a full moon only days away, Lyon is quickly aroused. But after a night of intimacy, Lyon wonders if Juliet is truly a mistress of sensual pleasure or whether his sexual mastery will be her undoing…

Sonya says: “LYON, the highly anticipated third book of the LORDS OF SATYR series is well worth the wait. Filled with romance, intrigue, and suspense, LYON is a thrilling read from start to finish. Wildly imaginative and wickedly erotic, this book will keep readers feverishly turning the pages...and in need of a cold beverage nearby! Elizabeth Amber has done a fantastic job bringing this series to life and LYON is without a doubt one of the most "unputdownable" books of the year!”

Synopsis: Blackness Tower: an enigma at the edge of this world, looking over the sea to the next. Drawing lonely, haunted souls to its ancient riddles, all seeking their own answers among its stones. Ewan Calder is an archaeologist looking for a galleon from the Spanish Armada, one rumored to have wrecked on the rugged Scottish coast. Magnus Anderson is a television presenter looking for proof of the paranormal.David Sutherland is an ex-soldier looking for restoration not only of Blackness Tower, but of his own life. Lauren Reay is looking for answers about her family's mysterious past-and about her own compelling dreams. Dreams can't hurt you, she thinks. Neither can her ancestors. The past is past.<> Or is it? It is Lauren's past, her presence, the shape of her face, the depths of her spirit, that will open the secret at the heart of Blackness Tower.

Clover says: “Lillian Stewart Carl's writing is at once intelligent, captivating, and romantic, caressed by light fingers of poetic description. In no way am I going to give anything away about the mystery itself except to say that I pride myself on usually being able to figure them out. This one kept me intrigued and guessing until the end. In fact, she had so many clues and details involving the present and not one, but two time lines from the past, I was a little worried that Carl wouldn't be able to pull off a satisfying ending. But I worried for nothing, because the ending blew me away. Blackness Tower is definitely a keeper, a book meaty enough to inspire hours and hours of discussion for the most tenacious book club.”

Synopsis: When Gemini Andrews laid eyes on Captain Deverell Jansen, she didn’t need her psychic abilities to know that he would soon be hers. It was just a matter of convincing him. So when Gemini learns of his voyage to Northrope in search of a vicious killer whose victims are left strewn among the Druid Stones, she hatches a plan. Knowing she can help—and with hopes of growing closer to Dev—she stows away on his ship…Dev is shocked to discover Gemini, knowing what this kind of stunt could do to her reputation. Yet after learning of her powers, he realizes he does need her, in more ways than one. These murders could be the work of notorious killer Jack Poole—but from beyond the grave? Together they are thrust into the realm of the supernatural, and Dev must trust in the love that Gemini is so certain of—or else there’s no hope of withstanding the strength of a killer’s thirst…

Marilyn says: “Believe me, the mystery, the paranormal elements, and the wonderful romance all add up to this being an outstanding and highly recommended read that fans and new readers alike should not miss.”

Synopsis: Some are born to greatness. Others have it thrust upon them. Marian Allanson would prefer to avoid it, period. Emotionally scarred, and haunted by nightly dreams of the mythical Robin Hood, Marian is just limping through life till a mysterious quirk of fate tosses her and twelve-year-old street kid Orlando Konstantinos centuries into the past.

Now she’s on a full-scale run through medieval Sherwood, threatened by the Sheriff of Nottingham, and discovering there may be truth to the myth, after all. A forest phantom appears out of the shadows to rescue her from death, then disappears again, leaving her to a different danger in the form of a forced marriage to Lord Roland of Hunterdon, a man hot enough to melt a maid’s skivvies—despite the fact underwear hasn’t been invented yet. To make matters worse, when the old sheriff is murdered, Roland steps into the job with plans to kill Robin Hood, unless Marian can stop him. Or will Roland be the one to die?

With the questions striking deeper than Robin’s arrows, and a sudden uncertainty as to who’s the villain and who’s the hero, “Maid Marian” has much more to worry about than her missing unmentionables. And speaking of missing, where the devil is Orlando?Before the secrets crack open and the dust clears, an unlikely heroine will rise from her own ashes, a legend will be rewritten, and a love will be forged strong enough to conquer time...

Karen says: “I love the story of Robin Hood and Ms. Riser did a fabulous job of putting her own spin on the lovable tale. You'll be swept back in time with the author's vivid descriptions of the era, while being immersed in the magic of legend itself. A must read!”